My Family

4 Comments

1. Helen Bennett

   November 6, 2010 at 8:44 am

   Review by Helen Bennett for My Family
   Rating:
   I am a non-Hispanic who stumbled upon “My Family” by chance; I had heard about it from reviewers Ebert and Roeper. The effect this film had on me was unprecedented. I was moved and delighted beyond measure by its artistry, its story, and its performances. “My Family” transcended other films of its genre, such as “Avalon” and “Sunshine,” because its power and beauty make it the best representation of family ethnicity ever displayed on film, and its universality is sublime.The film is beautifully photographed, filtered through a haze of color which brings to mind precious memories. It is both mythic and realistic, with scenes that seem like archetypes of family love and tragedy. The beginning is humorous and poignant, where the hero Jose Sanchez learns of the existence of “another country” on the other side of the world. The love and family joy of the married couple, Jose and Maria, are marred only by the intolerance of government bureaucracy and the culture clash experienced by their children. The gorgeous costumes, haunting folk music and period songs, and the magnificent colors of the interiors of the family home, all combine to make the film indelibly rich. The tragic moments are deeply engraved on our consciousness by that brilliant filmmaker, Gregory Nava. The conclusion, in which Jose and Maria state their gratitude for their wonderful life together, in spite of heartless tragedy, is transcendent.The fine performances have been heralded by many critics, but I would like to recognize one in particular. Elpidia Carillo, as the tragic Isabel, is deserving of an Academy Award. In addition, Jennifer Lopez and Jacob Vargas as the young Jose and Maria are admirable. The magnificent starring turns of Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales, aided by Eduardo Lopez Rojas and Jenny Gago, are unforgettable. Everyone who worked on this fine film did a superb job; they made it more than a movie, but rather an experience that permanently warms and expands the heart.Helen Bennett

   Reply
2. Phillip P. Bazan

   November 6, 2010 at 7:37 am

   Review by Phillip P. Bazan for My Family
   Rating:
   I first saw this movie in 1995 when it was first released in theaters. Nine years later, the movie still has the same effect as it did when I first saw it. Although my experiences and my family’s experiences are not identical to the ones experienced by the Sanchez family, there are similarities, and I’m sure many other Mexican-Americans can identify with the small things that make this movie so good.What makes this movie so good is that the director, Gregory Nava, captures the nuances that many Mexican-Americans can relate to. ‘Crossing the Bridges,’ as Edward James Olmos explains, is something that the patriarch of the family must do when he goes to work on the other side of downtown LA. What’s so strange is that many people continue to cross those bridges every day of their lives (literally and figuratively). Little things like this as well as Chucho’s pride in having the best creased pants, the mother’s passion for her ‘novelas,’ and Jimmy Smits’ hard personality really give this movie a feeling of familiarity. I also like the fact that Memo goes to UCLA.The casting is good, and it’s weird to see Jennifer Lopez in small roles like this before her rise to stardom. While the movie may not identically reflect the experiences of every Mexican-American, it will be hard not to see some parallels.

   Reply
3. Vincent D. Guillen

   November 6, 2010 at 6:56 am

   Review by Vincent D. Guillen for My Family
   Rating:
   My Family chronicles the Sanchez family over three generations. From the parents migration from Mexico to East LA. The movie shows the struggle of the Immigrants to survive in America with the lack of education, but a determination to improve their lives in America. The family is split by the cynical views of the rebel sons Chucho(Esai Morales) and Jimmy(Jimmy Smits) and the political views of the NUN(eventually marries) sister and her also political (former priest) husband, and the educated lawyer brother, who is engaged to the white girl from UCLA and is slightly embarrassed when his future in-laws visit EAST LA. All the time the Sanchez family is struggling with their lives Jose and Maria try to keep the family together. The movie trys to show the diversity that can occur in the lives of this mexican/american family and the culture associated with a typical family of that ERA it illustrates some of the hostile feelings felt by this familiy of their perceived prujudices against them by the establishment. The characters all go thru some transformations as they mature. James Olmos as the oldest son Paco and his narration is the movie. Esai Morales and Jimmy Smits turn in some brilliant performances, and my wife swoons at every scene with them both. They have mastered the 50’S/60’S Pachucos roles. The allstar cast of LA Latin Actors Enrique Castillo, Morales , Olmos are excellent as always and aptly supported by Mary Steenburgen and Scott Baculla as well as the other latino actors Lupe Ontiveros Jennifer Lopez and others. If you are of thAt ERA and ethinic background this movie is a must. Its a great family movie and just as awakening as AMERICAN ME AND ZOOT SUIT. In closing, being of that 50’s era and my Mexican background I especially enjoyed the generous portions of the slang and music references throuhout the movie to recreate the way it was back then, and referencing an actual artist Rosie and the originals (Jeanette Jurado of Expose) was genius on the part of the director/Author Mr. Nava. Addios Vince Guillen from Burque.

   Reply
4. Luis Hernandez

   November 6, 2010 at 6:46 am

   Review by Luis Hernandez for My Family
   Rating:
   Spanning three generations, “My Family” (“Mi Familia” in Spanish) is fascinating account of one family’s struggle to stay together and survive the mean streets of East Los Angeles. Narrated by Edward James Olmos (“Stand & Deliver”; television`s “Miami Vice”), the film centers on a Mexican-American family who want to achieve the American dream, however they face obstacles along the way.The film, directed by Gregory Nava (“Selena”) is an honorable, beautiful, and tragic masterpiece that captures the essence of what it is to be Latino in Southern California. Using realism and incorporating local and Mexican slang, Nava, along with writer Olmos provide the viewers with close yet a distant relationship with the family. Many actors, including Scott Bakula (“American Beauty”; television`s “Quantum Leap”), Esai Morales (“La Bamba”; “Rapa Nui”), Michael DeLorenzo (television`s “NY Undercover”) and Lupe Otinveros (“Selena”) lend their wonderful artistic support to this film, however the real scene stealer here has to be Jimmy Smits (“Old Gringo”; television`s “NYPD Blue”), who plays younger brother Jimmy. Jimmy, who gets released from prison finds himself helping his sister, who was a former nun, in preventing the deportation of a young Salvadoran woman, who faces death if she was to return to war-stricken El Salvador. While he is coerced in marrying her, he believes it is only a short-term marriage. But when these two accidental-lovers get together and discover the beauty and support they lend to one another, love is here to stay. However all happy stories come with their tragic endings and Smits carries this film through most of its final stages with his effective acting.Whether it is dealing with intercultural marriages, street gang violence, or the everyday fears many illegal immigrants face each day with deportation lurking around the corner in some cases, “My Family” is an excellent portrait of how important culture and family are among Latino households. This is a must see film for anyone interested in Latino Studies. An excellent film and an eternal classic, “My Family” is a stunning film that should be watched by all who want to understand the history, legacy, and contributions of America’s fastest growing minority group.

   Reply